In randomized controlled trials, researchers assign participants to treatment or control groups randomly. What is the best definition of "random" as it applies to this?

Question

​In randomized controlled trials, researchers assign participants to treatment or control groups randomly. What is the best definition of "random" as it applies to this?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Random assignment means that everyone in the study has an equal chance of being assigned to either the treatment or control group. This helps to minimize bias and ensure that any differences between the groups are due to the intervention being tested, rather than other factors. Haphazard group assignment (A) would not be systematic or controlled, which could introduce bias. Participants being unaware of their group assignment (B) and researchers being unaware of group assignments (C) may be used in certain types of studies, but they do not describe the essential feature of random assignment.

​In Randomized Controlled Trials, Researchers Assign Participants to Treatment or Control

In Randomized Controlled Trials, Researchers Assign Participants to Treatment or Control